World Cup 2018: Who is Spain’s top goal scorer of all time?

David Villa holds that honour... but he didn't make the squad.

Spain's forward David Villa waves as he celebrates their victory at the end of the World Cup 2018 qualifier football match Spain vs Italy at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 2, 2017.
Spain won 3-0. / AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS

He made his senior debut for the national team in November of 2005 against San Marino and has participated in three major tournaments. The most noticeable ones being the Euro 2008 and of course the 2010 World Cup.

When Spain became world champions in 2010, their go-to man was David Villa as far as goals were concerned.

The five goals that were scored by the former Barcelona striker did not only propel Spain to the top of the world, but also ensured that Villa was rightfully the all-time leading goal scorer of the Spanish national team.

Villa also holds the records as being the country’s top scorer in World Cups, finding the back of the net nine times.

In total, the New York City FC striker scored 59 goals for the national team. He overtook another Spanish legend in the form of Raul, a feat that he achieved after scoring twice against Czech Republic in a Euro 2012 qualifier.

The former world champions will be hoping that Diego Costa, who’s leading the line at the 2018 tournament with two goals so far, will David Villa in leading La Roja to World Cup glory yet again.

The Atletico Madrid striker started the tournament well, scoring two goals in what was a thrilling opening game against Portugal.

Villa shares the records for most hat-tricks for the national team with Fernando Torres (remember him?) – both scoring …. three of those.

He also shares the honour of most goals at a single World Cup (five) with Emilio Butragueño.

Spain play Iran on Wednesday night. Kick off is at 20:00 South African time.